Groves dominates Brunswick, 34-9

Victory moves Rebels into second place in Region 3-AAAAA.

Posted: Saturday, October 01, 2005

Groves 34,

Brunswick 9

GARDEN CITY - Before Saturday night's key Region 3-AAAAA matchup against visiting Brunswick, Groves football coach Karl DeMasi wouldn't commit to the main reason why his team was off to such a solid start.

The Rebels have played well in all facets this season, but DeMasi did not want to praise one of his team's units just yet.

After the Rebels' convincing 34-9 victory at Garden City Stadium, all three were sure to be commended.

The Rebels topped the Pirates with myriad of big plays on offense, defense and special teams, and even with some trick plays.

Groves scored on two halfback option passes, had a 52-yard punt return in the second that set up its first score, and forced two turnovers.

The win propels Groves (4-2, 4-1) into second place in the region.

Junior wide receiver Algene Grant's 70-yard touchdown reception from running back Adrian Davis with a little more than 9 minutes left in the fourth put the Rebels ahead by 12 and all but sealed the win.

"We tried that play in practice, and no team has seen us run it," Grant said. "I guess they thought it was a regular toss and left me wide open. I was thinking, 'Don't drop the ball, don't drop the ball.' "

"I love trick plays. You don't know where it's going to come from or when it's going to come," said DeMasi.

Grant had a huge offensive night. He caught four passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns and also scooped up a fumble and scampered 9 yards for Groves' final score.

The Rebels' defense did a solid job containing Brunswick (3-3, 3-2) running back Robert Thomas. The senior began the contest with 36 yards rushing on three carries, but finished with 43 yards on 15 carries.

"We practiced on swarming and everybody coming to the ball and we did a great job of that," said junior linebacker/tight end Scott Reed, who had an interception and a 27-yard touchdown pass from Cameron Tillman in the second quarter. "We have to keep it going."

Groves' special teams recovered a muffed punt and Warren Gilstrap fielded a punt and raced down the left sideline for 52 yards, leading to Reed's score.

"They didn't surprise us," Brunswick coach Maurice Freeman said. "We knew they could make big plays and we thought we could stop them, but unfortunately, we didn't."

Groves has made the playoffs the past two seasons and despite losing many key players to graduation this year, the Rebels feel they are ready for another run.

"If we keep going we can go to state again," Reed said.

**In other Region 3-AAAAA game Saturday, Bradwell beat Johnson 24-7.

BHS|0|3|6|0| - |9

G|0|14|0|20| - |34

G - Scott Reed 27 pass from Cameron Tillman (kick failed)

G - Algene Grant 14 pass from Tillman (Tillman run)

B - Nick Sasser 32 FG

B - Richard Cash 1 run (Kick blocked)

G - Grant 70 pass from Adrian Davis (Misel Lijune)

G - Grant 69 pass from Davis (kick failed)

G - Grant 9 fumble return (Lijune kick)

B|G

First downs|12|9

Rushing|32|104

Passing 71|267

Comp.-Att.-Int.|6-15-0|8-12-2

Fumbles-Lost 3-1|1-1

Punts|6-257|4-135

Penalties|4-(-42)|4-(-30

Saturday's Game

Urban Christian 40, Bethesda 34

Errol Gordon rushed for two touchdowns and passed for three more to lead Urban Christian in the season opener for the Saints.